BROTHERS ADVOCATING for DIVERSITY and tolerance

The Richmond Heights Spartans

The Richmond Heights Varsity Basketball Team of 2011-2012 holds the crown for this month's B.A.D. Boy title. Known for their quick tempo and exceptional guard play, this group of young men has championed many titles to earn their B.A.D. Boy status: CVC - Chagrin Valley Conference Champs 2010, 2011, 2012, Division IV District Champions 2011, 2012, Division IV Sweet Sixteen participant 2011, Sweet Sixteen Finalist 2012. Might we add, the Varsity players of 2012 were the first team in the school's history to make it to the championship game for the Regional Conference. While we can continue  with an equally long list of individual accomplishments on each player, it is important to understand what made this team trailblazers off the court.

In February of 2011, right in the middle of an undefeated 15-0 season, the young men decided it was high time that they demanded respect from their coach who had been spewing insensitive comments targeting the boys race, family backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Rather than continuing to endure the coach's harsh and inhumane treatment and after several failed attempts to reach out to school officials for relief, the team decided to boycott. That's right!! In 2012 young people are fighting for civil rights. Their teamwork displayed each night on the court became evident as they banned together in an effort to remove the unwanted coach and make history for students to follow. The boys actions not only drew media attention all over America but it prompted State Senator Nina Turner to become actively involved in scrutinizing laws   currently in place that were being used to prevent the removal of this coach. More significant, their subsequent partnering with parents, resulted in complaints filed with the United States Department of Education - Office of Civil Rights. After an investigation that took over a year, this federal agency found that the coach was discriminatory and that the school district was retaliatory.

This finding prompted a 16 page agreement in which the school district is now required to change policies and procedures that deal with diversity. The agreement includes district-wide sensitivity training and organizing student groups that help to educate all of the children in the Richmond Heights School District about their rights as human beings, as well as providing the opportunity for students to learn about the beauty of differences and the need for inclusion.

As the players transitioned from a basketball team to BROTHERS ADVOCATING for DIVERSITY and tolerance, even they did not foresee the impact that standing up for themselves would have on the rest of other children in their school and surrounding communities. The Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center has heard many of your stories too! Our Black Diamond Finalists are being honored at the Gala Breakfast June 23, 2012 @ 9:30AM at the Manor Centre Complex. For tickets call 216.288BLACK or click the link above that reads: http://blackdiamonds.eventfast.com.

Kevin Thompson B.A.D. Boy - March

Beau ideal. Astute. Disposition          

The Beau ideal, Astute Disposition of Kevin Thompson Jr. has earned him a spot as this month’s Black Diamond B.A.D. Boy. Those who know the Bedford Heights student describe him as an exemplary role model to his peers. His willingness to accept leadership roles is a major contributor to the long list of awards and accolades held by this young man including Merit roll, Principal awards, and Athletic recognition. Kevin is one of three children, and the only boy. While he strives to be a shining example to his two sisters, just as he is to his classmates, Kevin’s own father admits that he is a role model to him as well. Mr. Thompson praises his son for his hard work and hunger for knowledge. He is often times a recipient of his son’s perseverance. “He taught me how to tie a tie,” Kevin’s dad explains. The proud Mr. Thompson gloats about Kevin’s passion for computers and technology, as well as his participation in choir, wrestling, basketball, and football. A five-year football player, Kevin is a defensive back who plays the safety position. As Kevin attempts to help his teammates with pass coverage during the game, his wit and athleticism is tested. Perhaps it is this wit, developing on the field of his favorite sport that allows him to explore that talent. Diane Bloodsaw, chair of EMBODI, describes Kevin as “a witty young man, who organizes and implements team building activities, and enjoys being a spokesperson for the group.”

Empowering Males to Build Opportunity for Developing Independence (EMBODI) is the signature program of Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  Kevin has been a participant in good standing since its inception in 2009. He has had the opportunity to enhance his community through volunteerism and service. His goals and ambitions are expressed through projects and events such as “Career Days”, “Five Steps to Success unit”, and “Leadership and Development Overnight Camp Experience”. An avid reader, Kevin’s love for literature becomes heightened as an EMBODI participant. Many times he is the leader and spokesman during “Group Book Discussion”. Chairperson Bloodsaw also states, “Kevin, while well liked and fun, often attracts the attention of leaders and guest speakers with his verbal participation and knowledge of subject matter, leading the adult to take an elevated stance during his/her presentations.” Much like his demeanor during these presentations, Kevin’s existence in the world is a reminder that we must all step up our game! Kevin Thompson is a force to be reckoned with. This Diamond Chip example radiates much shine and brilliance. We hope you will join us in uplifting his achievements by sharing this blog with a friend, and continuing to follow us as the details unfold regarding ticket information for Black Diamonds: “A Celebration of African American Men”. This signature event will be hosted by the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center on June 23, 2012. Don’t forget to post your comments. We want to know what you think about our Black Diamond B.A.D. Boys for February and March.

Black Diamond B.A.D. Boys

Barrier-breaking. Awe-inspiring. Dad……

The expressive chronicle for this month’s Black Diamond B.A.D. Boy is extraordinarily fitting for the likes of barber-stylist Lamont Robinson, affectionately known as "Twin". This 42 year-old single father of two graduated from Shaw High School in 1987 and moved on to attend Kent State University. If you can’t catch up with Twin to be graced with one of his signature fades at Today’s Cut and Styles Barber Shop, perhaps he is at a ball game with his children:17 year-old Lamari and 13 year-old Clarke. The fact of the matter is that apart from his time spent at work and his church, New Community in Cleveland Heights, Twin can be seen working diligently in the community. Together with his children and other family members he promotes autism awareness and anti-bullying.

Responding to the need to advocate for his own autistic child, Twin founded an organization called Lamari Speaks. An incident of bullying at Lamari’s school prompted this dad to gather the instigators and educate them. He explained to the other young boys in Lamari’s class that “God made us all different”. He assured them of the beauty of these differences and highlighted characteristics that make Lamari so special. Discovering that these young men were very receptive to the information and subsequently embraced Lamari, Twin recognized the need to raise awareness about autism and its implications for non-autistic children. “All kids want normalcy," Twin explains. So this Black Diamond B.A.D. Boy set out to partner with larger organizations in order to bring this subject to light. He realized that we can and should work together as a community to offer a lifestyle that makes kids as special as Lamari feel included.

Since 2010  Twin has worked with organizations such as Autism Speaks, Mile Stone, and the Boys and Girls Club to bring about the change. As he continues to break barriers, February’s B.A.D. Boy also speaks on behalf of the University of Phoenix concerning autism and bullying. An East Cleveland native, Twin has been afforded the opportunity to speak to the broader community in the mid-west and the south. He prides himself on making certain that the Black community has a voice in this plight. Nevertheless, Twin is astonished to discover when attending many conferences and seminars that he is the only person of color in the room. Twin represents the Black community well and hopes to encourage others to come out of the darkness to speak very loudly and clearly about how we, together can make this world a better place for all.

If you know any B.A.D. Boys like Twin, who would qualify as Polished Diamonds click the link above for a nomination form.You will also discover criteria for age categories 10 years old and up. Recommend an African American male to be honored at the Black Diamonds Celebration this June. HURRY!! Nominations close March 9, 2012. Don't forget to follow our blog to keep up with the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center as we salute the next Black Diamond B.A.D. boy!